remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmi-shən 

1

: the act or process of remitting

2

: a state or period during which something is remitted

Synonyms

• absolution
• amnesty
• forgiveness
• pardon
• remittal

Examples of remission in a Sentence

The patient is in remission.

a temporary remission of symptoms

He was given remission for good behavior.

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, all 12 patients in a 2022 clinical trial testing one type of immunotherapy had their rectal cancer completely disappear, without remission or adverse effects. —Deborah Fuller, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025

By contrast, most nonreligious people accept the possibility of spontaneous remissions, inexplicable recoveries, and the rest of the medical mysteries that the Church calls healing miracles. —Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

The King's treatment is ongoing, but news of Kate’s remission was a relief for both the prince, as well as the couple’s children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025

The pope’s hospitalization comes during the Vatican’s celebration of the jubilee, a tradition in the Catholic Church dedicated to the remission of sins that occurs every 50 years. —Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English remissioun "release from obligation, forgiveness," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French remissiun, borrowed from Latin remissiōn-, remissiō "sending back, release, abatement, cancellation (of a debt)" (Late Latin, "forgiveness, as of sins"), from remittere "to send back, release, relax, waive (a debt, punishment)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at remit entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing remission

• go into remission
• in remission

Rhymes for remission

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmish-ən 

1

: the act or process of remitting

2

: a state or period during which something is remitted

Medical Definition

remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmish-ən 

: a state or period during which the symptoms of a disease are abated

cancer in remission after treatment

compare arrest, cure entry 1 sense 1, intermission

Legal Definition

remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmi-shən 

: the act or process of remitting